make sense
Definition
Verb phrase: - To be reasonable, logical, or comprehensible; to have a clear meaning or purpose that can be understood.
Usage
The phrase "make sense" is used to describe an idea, statement, situation, or action that is logical, understandable, and coherent. It is often used to express that something is reasonable or to confirm one's understanding. - It is commonly used in questions (e.g., "Does that make sense?") to check for comprehension. - It is frequently used in negative constructions (e.g., "It doesn't make sense") to express confusion or illogic. - It can describe plans, explanations, or feelings that are logical and appropriate.
Examples
- Statement:
- Question:
- Negative:
- With an infinitive:
Advanced Usage
- "make sense of": To understand something that is confusing or complicated.
- I'm trying to make sense of these complex legal documents.
- "begin to make sense": To start to become understandable or logical.
- After she explained her reasons, his actions began to make sense.
Variants and Related Words
- Sensemaking (n): The process by which people give meaning to collective experiences. (This is a related but distinct compound noun.)
- Make sense is itself a fixed verb phrase. Its core components are:
- Make (v): To cause to be or become.
- Sense (n): A meaning that is conveyed or intended.
Synonyms
- Be logical
- Be reasonable
- Be understandable
- Be coherent
- Hold water (idiomatic)
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
- Make sense of: As defined in Advanced Usage, this is a common construction where "make sense" is followed by the preposition "of" and an object, changing the meaning to "to decipher or understand."
- Can you help me make sense of this map?
Related Idioms
- Stand to reason: To be logically obvious or expected. (Similar in meaning to "make sense.")
- It stands to reason that if you practice, you will improve.
- Add up: To seem consistent or logical. (Often used in questions and negatives like "make sense.")
- His story just doesn't add up.
Verb
-
be reasonable or logical or comprehensible
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